Glenda Rae Holbrook Blackgrove

On December 20, 2025: Glenda Blackgrove passed away peacefully at her home in Warner Robins, Georgia, surrounded by her family. She is the daughter of Roy Holbrook (Navy WWII veteran) and Victoria Smith Holbrook (lifelong teacher). She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Joe Blackgrove, her caring daughter Cara Plaisted (husband Scott), son Robert Blackgrove (wife Yeelan), her 5 grandchildren Anthony, Luke, Liam, Edgar, and Lorelei, and sister Carol Ward. She will be reconnected with her eldest son, Paul “Van” Blackgrove (ex-wife Kim), who passed over 8 years ago.

A small-town girl from Fallsburg, Kentucky, Glenda’s passion for knowledge took her to college, where she met her first husband, Paul Vanhoose. He was killed in action in Vietnam, but not before bringing their son Van into the world. She was pregnant with her son, “Robby” when her 2nd husband, Robert “Bob” Bensberg was killed in Vietnam during his 3rd tour of service.

She then married Joe Blackgrove, father of Cara, and new father to Van and Robby, who also served 3 tours in Vietnam. She persevered to keep her family together and on the right path, in the face of tremendous loss. Glenda Blackgrove perhaps deserves a Purple Heart, and probably a few other medals. She is a hero to her family, and an American patriot in the truest sense.

Glenda worked for decades at the magistrate court, assisting countless people as they worked through disputes while gifting her accumulated leave time to coworkers, as she would rarely take time off for herself.

A lover of nature, her family, her neighbors, and Jesus, Glenda brought compassion into all her interactions. Whether it was rescuing a local wild animal or stray, or helping someone’s child, Glenda’s eagerness to make a positive difference changed many lives for the better. Ever generous and caring, she acted charitably without hesitation. Always putting her children and grandchildren before herself, she truly was the definition of “selfless” within her family and circle of dear friends. She always went too far with Christmas and birthday gifts and never stopped short of being a good person.

Glenda will be dearly missed and will live on in the hearts and attitudes of those who know and love her.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.